New Sturmey Archer ASC on the way?

I don't know if anyone else responded to the link on Sheldon's site to email SunRace about a possible new version of the Sturmey Archer ASC hub, but if you did you might also have received the following email.

[cite]SunRace Sturmey Archer[/cite]Hello Everyone,

I would first like to thank everyone for their interest in our upcoming remake of the ASC. As we grow closer to production I will be posing questions on our blog http://www.sunrace-sturmeyarcher.blogspot.com regarding what you would like to see in the final production model.

The first question is regarding the acceptable amount of backlash in the hub. Meaning the amount of slack there is before engagement. The original was quite sloppy in this regard but we are interested in your opinion. The question is up now in the form of a poll and if you have a minute and could head over to the blog and add your 2 cents I would greatly appreciate it!

David Prosser
Sunrace Sturmey Archer
3212 Jefferson Street #409
Napa, CA 94558

http://www.sunrace.com
http://www.sturmey-archer.com

Sounds like they are giving it some serious consideration - fingers on buttons and cast your votes now!

And for those who don't yet know, consult the oracle:

http://sheldonbrown.com/asc.html

Basically its your all in one three fixed gears in a tin can hub transmission wotsit innit.

Where is this pole?

TheBrick(Tommy) Where is this pole?

If you follow the link to the blog page, it's the end item on the right hand side of the page. Spread the word!

ah found it could not find the comment section though for other.

Got this in an email from Jack from the Bike Show.

http://sunrace-sturmeyarcher.blogspot.com/2008/09/s3x-fixed-gear-3-speed.html

The first batch of prototype Fixed Gear 3 speeds is finished. The new hub will be called the S3X. The hub will be made using a much stronger aluminum hubshell. Overall gear range will be 160%.

that's made my evening. proper fixed gear touring now looks possible...

http://www.bikeradar.com/commuting/news/article/three-speed-fixies-make-a-return-18328

Fab. Was thinking about this a couple of nights ago.

I'll be honest, although I am hankering after one of these SunRace Sturmey Archer 3spd fixed hubs, it just seems a little bit against the spirit of the purity of fixed and singlespeed cycling.

True, it is fixed, but surely the purpose of single cog riding is that there is so much less to go wrong? How many people will feel qualified to take apart this 3spd hub and repair it themselves? At the moment, with singlespeed cycling, there is really only the chain, cog and chainring to worry about in the drivetrain.

I think its a great idea, but also, with more things to go wrong................................?

they need servicing every 1000 years. between that just a few drops of oil and a wipe with a rag.

Starting to think about parts for my retro fixed touring bike. I am now pissing my frilly knickers with excitement.

*fred: they need servicing every 1000 years. between that just a few drops of oil and a wipe with a rag.*

And the gear changer.......if it gets a whack?

It does stand out from the hub axle, so could get knocked hard against something?

chain is replaceable, gears are planetary design.

Cyclingnews.com reports that it's ready and will soon be available; pics too

any updates? i thought it was supposed around now?

All news is on the Sturmey Archer blog:

http://www.sunrace-sturmeyarcher.blogspot.com/

They say that they're aiming for a March launch.

guess what?

Condor have them in stock, for £130, i thought that a reasonably good price, the guy there show it to me on the Tempo, work brilliantly, but it's not entirely fixed thought, it got a bit of 'freewheel' back and forth but that it.

I'm thinking about getting it for long distance ride, need to inform scott about it.

Here you go, don't think the thumb shifter come with the S3X thought as it appear to be well worn;

i thought it would never actually come out... think i'll wait til next summer now and stick it on a frame with cantis, panniers and mudguards and finally do some touring.

me too, after seeing Scott's Gangsta "tourer", I'm very tempted to.

but it's not entirely fixed thought, it got a bit of 'freewheel' back and forth but that it.

What do you mean a bit of freewheel? When changing gears?

no, overall, a tiny bit as if your chain was very slack, not sure if that was normal or not

A bit of backlash in the hub you mean? The ASC was known for having quite a lot of backlash, while the older 2-speed TF had very little.

well, maybe i have to visit condor tomorrow...
perfect timing for thunderbird 2.